Filling in the holes.
No matter the size of a code database, they still aren't a magic bullet for home theater control and don't come with guarantees of perfection. Omitted commands, new devices, obscure brands - there's almost always something that's going to be missing.
Fortunately, Sony's RM-VL600 has you covered with full infrared code learning capabilities. As is the case with Sony's high-end models, the RM-VL600 includes enough memory for a learned command on every possible button - and with the RM-VL600 that's up to 324 different commands. Plenty of space for sure!
To learn a code from another remote, hold the [Set] button for three seconds until the LED begins to flash slowly. Select the device for which to learn a code - the device key's LED will stay illuminated - then press the button on which to capture the code. The [Set] LED will begin flashing quicker as the remote looks for a command. Aim the original equipment's remote at the front of the RM-VL600 and hold down the button to learn. As the code is analyzed, the [Set] LED will stay illuminated and the device LED will go out. As soon as the device LED lights again, usually within a second, the code capture is finished.
Learning on the RM-VL600 proved quick and intuitive. It may sound like a lot of work, but it's really not - learning is actually the easiest method of programming your remote and guaranteeing the correct results.
More macros for your money.
Macros are what true universal remote controls use to tie a home theater system together, making its operation simpler. For example, when performing repetitive steps such as playing a DVD movie, why should you have to manually power on the TV, DVD player and receiver, switch inputs and initiate playback each and every time? Instead, record those steps in a macro and play them back with a single touch!
The RM-VL600 includes 12 macros divided into two types: first are 8 Component Select macros assigned to the device keys at the top, and second are 4 System Control macros assigned to the keys at the very bottom of the remote.
The 8 Component Select macros are typically used to power on devices and change audio/video inputs. These are useful for reducing the amount of time it takes to switch between, say, watching television and listening to the radio, and are transmitted only after the device key has been held for a full 2 seconds - otherwise when pressed briefly the remote merely switches itself to the new device. The 4 four System Control macros at the bottom perform the same function under all devices, and are typically reserved for general operations such as powering an entire system on or off or starting a movie playing. These operate instantly. Unlike Component Select macros that always end with their labeled component active, System Control buttons will finish by switching the remote to the last recorded device.
Each macro button can hold a 16-step sequence, although that limit does include selecting components so the number of actual commands possible will range from 8 to 15. Recording macros is easy - just press [Set] and the button to store the macro on at the same time, and then navigate the remote using the devices and commands in the order that they should be played back. Recording will end when [Set] is pressed a second time, or the macro runs out of room.
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